Dracaena Reflexa

In Dracaena reflexa, Pierre-Joseph Reoduté captures a plant known as the Song of India with extreme precision. Published c. 1804 as part of the second volume of Les Liliacées, Dracaena reflexa invokes both scientific accuracy and artistry. The flower's curving, s-shaped stem validates Redouté&#...

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Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20129125
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Summary:In Dracaena reflexa, Pierre-Joseph Reoduté captures a plant known as the Song of India with extreme precision. Published c. 1804 as part of the second volume of Les Liliacées, Dracaena reflexa invokes both scientific accuracy and artistry. The flower's curving, s-shaped stem validates Redouté's adherence to life in his studies. Dracaena reflexa's stunning array of splayed leaves recreates physical space while incorporating a dramatic composition. Though the print lacks the extreme contrast of its original watercolor, Dracaena reflexa still effectively uses light and dark values to build a composite, realistic image.